Monday morning I retreated to my deck for some quiet time with Jesus. I have often closed my posts with the priestly blessing from Numbers 6. It goes like this:

May the Lord bless you and protect you.

May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.

May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

I love this passage so much that I purchased a sign to display in my entry way. Every time I leave my house, I see the blessing and am reminded of the presence and favor of God on my life. Imagine my joy when I learned a song had been written with these lyrics.

I settled into my chair, opened YouTube and turned the volume up on my device, opening my hands to receive blessing. My spirit soared as I listened, basking in the presence of Jesus. As the song came to a crescendo, the wind started blowing causing my chimes to join in a euphony of praise! It was a beautiful moment — nature joining in giving praise to the Father.

As I soaked in the moments, I was reminded that I get to choose how I start my day. As I listened to The Blessing and pictured the presence of God going before me, coming behind me, surrounding me, blessing me — peace and joy welled up within me.

If I allow my mind to focus on loss, mistrust, what I think I don’t have, the chaos around me — fear, anxiety, anger, suspicion well up within me.

I get to choose and so do you! This is a beautiful way to start the day. Give it a try!